5 great accessories you need for the new Apple TV
The revamped fourth-generation Apple TV is almost here. After being put on sale earlier in the week, the first shipments should start arriving to users by Friday. In that spirit, we’re highlighting five great accessories for the new streaming device – everything from practical to plain fun.
Cable tied AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable, 6.5 feet long, $5.49
While Apple TV buyers will receive the streaming box, the Siri Remote, and a Lightning cable to charge it, you’ll need to provide your own HDMI cable to attach the box to an HDTV. An inexpensive choice is the 6.5-foot long AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable. It meets the HDMI 1.4 specification and supports Ethernet, 3-D video, 4K video, and Audio Return Channel. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty.
You can purchase one for $5.49 or a pack of two for $9.99. If you need something longer, you can also purchase a 9.8-foot, 15-foot, or 25-foot cable for just a bit more.
Get ready for gaming Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Mobile Gamepad, $48.26
One of the best new features of the Apple TV is full App Store support. So that means it’s ready for game time. Since only one Siri Remote can be used with the Apple TV, you’ll need to purchase a MFi controller for multiplayer gaming action. And while most all MFi controllers will work with the device, the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i Mobile Gamepad is definitely an interesting choice.
The controller sports dual analog sticks, fully analog triggers and action buttons, and a pressure sensitive D-Pad. It pairs to the Apple TV via Bluetooth and is powered by two AAA batteries. And when your ready to take the gaming outside the living room, an adjustable travel clip is designed to hold your iPhone or iPod touch directly above the gamepad itself. The controller will also work with any iPad model running iOS 7 or later.
With the companion iOS app, you can check the controller’s battery life, upgrade its firmware, and double-check that all of the bells and whistles are ready to go.
The black version of the controller is available to purchase now for $48.26. There are a number of other colors available including blue, orange, red, and white that cost a bit more.
Stay in the loop Apple Remote Loop for Siri Remote, $12.99
If you’re just fine using the Siri Remote for gaming, Apple does offer a nice Remote Loop that can help protect it from slips or drops during those rough-and-tumble gaming sessions. It clicks directly into the remote’s Lightning connector and can easily be removed. The loop can also be adjusted for a comfortable fit.
It is available to order now from Apple for $12.99.
Stand and deliver Walnut Stand for Siri Remote, $12
With replacements costing a cool $79, you’ll definitely need a safe and secure place to store the Siri Remote. Studio Neat’s remote stand is made with solid walnut and hand finished with tung oil. The bottom of the stand features a micro-suction pad that will stick to pretty much any flat surface without leaving any residue.
You can purchase the stand now from Studio Neat’s site for $12. It is scheduled to ship in two weeks.
Must have SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Gaming Controller
If you’re going to do a significant amount of gaming on your Apple TV, you need to get the SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Gaming Controller. Priced at $49.95, supports games on Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Best of all, it gives you 40-plus hours of gameplay with a quick charge using a Lightning connector.
You can order the gaming controller through Apple.
For other recent accessory news and reviews, see: Transfer files between your Mac and iOS devices at lightning speed with the iShowFast, The Frankenspiel FS-X gives great sound from a small speaker, and Review: The Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 brings Apple’s HomeKit bliss to the popular lighting system.